http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/rss/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1521-4095

A dilute electrolyte with a novel vehicular anion–solvent–Li⁺ aggregates (AGG) mechanism is achieved using a pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl fluoride with an optimal steric hindrance. It enables a high ionic conductivity of 4.9 mS cm−1, excellent Li-metal compatibility, and stable 4.6 V Li-metal batteries with ultra-high-nickel cathodes, achieving 228.4 mAh g−1, good rate capability, and cycling stability.

Electrolyte design is critical for high-energy lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) because it dictates the aggressive Li–electrolyte interphase that governs cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency (CE). However, traditional high- or locally high-concentration electrolytes, which achieve good Li-metal compatibility by the formation of anion‒solvent‒Li+ aggregates (AGG), typically suffer from poor ionic conductivity (e.g., ≈1 mS cm−1). Therefore, achieving both high ionic conductivity and AGG-dominated solvation structure under dilute conditions still remains a challenge. Herein, a novel dilute electrolyte with vehicular aggregates (DVA) mechanism is proposed by employing pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl fluoride (PSF) solvent with optimal steric hindrance effect. Based on this DVA electrolyte, the uniquely AGG-dominated solvation structure under dilute conditions achieve high ionic conductivity (4.9 mS cm−1) featuring its vehicular ion-transport mechanism. It exhibits good Li-metal compatibility with high stripping-plating CE of ≈99.5% with inorganic (LiF, Li2O)-rich robust solid‒electrolyte interphase. Furthermore, the electrolyte effectively suppresses the stress-corrosion cracking, transition-metal dissolution, gas evolution, and detrimental surface degradation on the cathode side, thus enabling 4.6-V-class LMBs with ultra-high-Ni cathodes to deliver a high discharge capacity of 228.4 mAh g−1, excellent rate capability up to 2C, and 87% capacity retention after 150 cycles. This work offers a promising approach for designing advanced electrolytes for high-energy LMBs.

A strategy that combines amorphous structure engineering and sacrificial Mo6+ is developed to control the electrochemical reconstruction of nickel oxide, thereby generating disordered NiOOH. The disordered NiOOH with significantly enhanced metal-oxygen covalency triggers the switch of OER mechanism from the AEM to the LOM, and thus achieving an overpotential of 201 mV at 100 mA cm−2.

The electrochemical reconstruction behavior of electrocatalysts during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the key to determining their performance. Despite its critical role, precisely controlling and rationally guiding this reconstruction behavior remains an elusive challenge. Here, an efficient strategy is reported to manipulate the reconstruction behavior of nickel oxides by concurrently introducing amorphous structure and easily oxidizable elements (i.e., Mo6+). Specifically, the amorphous structure promotes the reconstruction at a low potential and the oxidative removal of Mo6+, enabling the generation of disordered NiOOH (d-NiOOH) with abundant defects. Notably, the d-NiOOH markedly enhances the Ni–O covalency and thus triggers the reaction mechanism transition from the adsorption evolution mechanism (AEM) to the lattice oxygen-mediated mechanism (LOM). As a result, the d-NiOOH displays excellent performance for the OER with an overpotential of 201 mV at 100 mA cm−2, surpassing the ordered NiOOH (o-NiOOH, 286 mV). Remarkably, an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) assembled with a-NiMoO as the anodic catalyst can attain a large current density of 1 A cm−2 at a small voltage of 1.79 V, outperforming most of the reported electrocatalysts.

Fe3O4 thin films grown on ordered SiO2 nanospheres form curved nanocaps with 3D geometry, inducing magnetic domain texture. X-ray spectromicroscopy (XMCD-PEEM), cross-sectional electron microscopy (STEM), and polarized grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) reveal how topography modulates magnetization. This system provides a new platform to explore geometry-induced magnetic phenomena at the nanoscale.

Topographically complex interfaces offer a promising route to engineer magnetic textures in oxide thin films, with potential implications for next-generation spintronic and neuromorphic devices. Here, Fe3O4 thin films are grown on self-assembled SiO2 nanospheres to investigate how local curvature, together with polycrystalline morphology, influence magnetic behavior compared to flat films. STEM and GISANS confirm connected growth with preserved lateral ordering, while XMCD-PEEM reveals in-plane magnetic domains that extend across both nanosphere-patterned and flat regions. Despite the low net magnetization of the Fe3O4 caps, their domain orientations align with neighboring flat areas, indicating correlated domain behavior across structurally different regions. These findings demonstrate how nanoscale topography and morphology can be leveraged as design parameters to modulate magnetism in complex oxides.

A dimeric acceptor NVN is incorporated as a guest component into the D18:L8-BO host blend to fabricate high-performance OSCs. Incorporation of NVN suppresses both dynamic and static disorder, resulting in mitigated trap states, reduced energy loss, and improved charge transport. Consequently, the D18:L8-BO:NVN-based ternary OSCs achieve a remarkable efficiency of 20.80% with superior photostability.

Suppressing energetic disorder represents a critical pathway toward high-efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, a ternary system is successfully developed to regulate the energetic disorder and enhance the photovoltaic performance of OSCs through strategic incorporation of a dimeric acceptor NVN into D18:L8-BO host. It is demonstrated that NVN incorporation simultaneously suppresses both static and dynamic disorder. Crucially, NVN-mediated suppression of dynamic disorder achieved through suppressing structural relaxation is identified as the dominant factor enhancing photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and minimizing non-radiative energy loss. Furthermore, NVN optimizes the double-fibril network morphology (DFNM), induces graded vertical phase separation, and enhances molecular packing order. These morphological improvements reinforce structural regularity and mitigate static disorder. As a result, suppressed trap states, retrained energy loss, facilitated exciton dissociation, and improved charge transport are achieved in the ternary system. Owing to these synergistic effects, the D18:L8-BO:NVN ternary OSC achieves a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.80% (certified 20.39%) with enhanced operational photostability. Overall, this work underscores the fundamental importance of energetic disorder control in achieving high-performance OSCs.

A high-capacity polyimide-linked porous organic polymer (HAT-PTO) incorporating numerous redox-active centers is synthesized via a hydrothermal reaction, delivering a high theoretical capacity of 484 mAh g−1. In situ hybridization with carboxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes enhances conductivity and stability, achieving 397 mAh g−1 at C/10, outstanding rate capability (225 mAh g−1 at 20 C), and robust cycling over 6000 cycles.

The development of high-capacity, sustainable cathode materials remains a critical challenge in advancing lithium-ion battery technologies for next-generation energy storage. Organic electrode materials (OEMs) represent a promising alternative to conventional inorganic cathodes, owing to their composition from earth-abundant elements and chemically tunable structures that enable high theoretical capacities. Herein, a polyimide-linked porous organic polymer (HAT-PTO) is reported to be synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal reaction from redox-active hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) and pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone (PTO) building blocks. The resulting HAT-PTO framework incorporates multiple redox-active C═O and C═N centers, delivering a high theoretical capacity of 484 mAh g−1. To overcome limitations in electronic conductivity, hybrid materials are synthesized by in situ growth of HAT-PTO on multiwalled pristine (CNT) and carboxyl-functionalized carbon nanotubes (cCNT). Notably, the HAT-PTO-cCNT hybrid delivers a high capacity of 397 mAh g−1 at C/10, outstanding rate capability of 225 mAh g−1 at 20 C, and long-term cycling stability, retaining 171 mAh g−1 after 6000 cycles at 2 C. Ex situ FT-IR, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, confirms the involvement of both HAT and PTO units in the charge storage mechanism. This work presents a molecular design strategy and scalable synthesis approach toward high-performance organic cathodes, paving the way for durable, high-rate lithium-organic batteries.

Bioprinting has rapidly emerged as a transformative technology in biomedical research, offering unprecedented potential to replicate complex tissues. Despite its promise, clinical translation remains limited due to regulatory hurdles. This review explores global regulatory frameworks, comparing approaches in the EU, U.S., China, and Australia, and outlines strategies for future developments.

Bioprinting has become one of the leading topics in biomedical research in the past decade, as demonstrated by the great surge in publications and proliferation of bioprinting facilities worldwide. Bioprinting has gained widespread popularity because of its potential to replicate complex biological structures, revolutionize in vitro testing, and tissue engineering. However, the clinical translation of bioprinted products remains a challenge. The regulatory approval of tissue-engineered products requires extensive preclinical and clinical trials with different standards worldwide. The regulatory landscape for bioprinted products is examined in the European Union, United States, China, and Australia. The current regulatory status of bioprinting is traced by exploring parallels with existing categories such as 3D printed medical devices, injectable hydrogels, and tissue engineering products. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and regulatory landscape of bioprinted constructs, envisioning challenges, and strategies for their future integration into clinical practice.

This study presents a Janus graphene oxide-based nanoplatform to combat osteoarthritis. The system's efficacy is based on four synergistic functions: adhering stably to the cartilage surface, filling micro-damage to restore integrity, providing consistent lubrication to reduce friction, and delivering an anti-aging medication locally to cells. This integrated multifunctional approach represents a powerful and promising new strategy for osteoarthritis treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA) progresses via a destructive cycle involving cartilage damage, friction, lubrication loss, and chondrocyte senescence. Current therapies, limited to temporary lubrication or pain relief, fail to halt OA due to their inability to repair cartilage or restore innate lubrication. To address this challenge, an asymmetric Janus graphene oxide (MGO) nanoplatform is engineered and functionalized with the anti-senescence agent Fenofibrate (FN), creating the MGO-FN system. This integrated design features one side providing robust cartilage adhesion and the opposing side offering superior lubrication, while simultaneously delivering the therapeutic FN. Critically, the nanoscale MGO-FN effectively infiltrates and fills micro-damage on the cartilage surface, enabling localized and sustained FN release. This maximizes drug bioavailability at the target site by minimizing diffusion distances. In vitro, MGO-FN demonstrated potent synergistic effects, significantly enhancing chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis, reducing senescence, and upregulating the lubrication marker PRG4 more effectively than either component alone. In vivo OA rat studies, supported by transcriptomics analysis, validated MGO-FN's potent therapeutic effects, including reduced cartilage degradation, mitigated inflammation, promoted matrix regeneration, and restored innate lubrication. These findings underscore MGO-FN as a promising multifaceted therapeutic strategy to halt OA progression by concurrently restoring cartilage integrity and lubricating function.

A novel and simple preparation method is proposed for continuous gradient scaffolds. It addresses the difficulty of simultaneously reproducing multi-scale anisotropy and continuous gradient structures in vitro. This study proposes a novel method for constructing bio-grade continuous gradient hydrogel scaffolds, paving the way for new avenues in engineering biomimetic tissue scaffolds.

Gradient structures are widely present in tissues. The natural gradient exhibits an accuracy of 10 nm and possesses a four-level multi-scale structure (10nm–1cm). The accuracy of biological 3D printing is approximately 5um, which presents huge challenges in simultaneously replicating multi-scale anisotropy and continuous gradient structures in vitro. Here, a fabrication method termed as electrochemical training of gelatin-based hydrogel is reported that leverages gradient ion coordination and molecular locking to achieve the rapid assembly of disordered hydrogel to fill this gap. This ETH (electrochemical training hydrogel) scaffold exhibits multi-scale anisotropic gradient structure from 5nm to 2cm, marking the first successful integration of multi-scale anisotropy with continuous gradient structures. More importantly, this method constructed a tough gelatin-based hydrogel scaffold with a strength of 12.67 MPa, which increased by 937 times (13.5 kPa to 12.67 MPa). This study proposes a novel method for constructing bio-grade gradient hydrogel scaffolds, paving the way for new avenues in engineering biomimetic tissue scaffolds.

Localized water confinement in the CTAB micellar electrolyte prevents cascade failure of vanadium-based AZIBs. The CTA+-expanded cathode spacing and CTA+/OTF−-formed EDL synergistically enhance pseudocapacitance of cathode and compensate for proton kinetic losses in the passivated electrolyte. Significantly, the balance between localized water confinement and rapid charge transfer enhances the cycle life of vanadium-based AZIBs at lower currents.

Highly reactive water-induced cascade failures, including vanadium dissolution, proton intercalation, hydrogen evolution reactions, and interfacial side reactions, limit the recyclability of vanadium-based aqueous zinc-ion batteries. These failures are more severe at low current densities (< 0.5 A g−1). Current studies on electrolyte optimization stabilize the zinc anode but neglect the vanadium-based cathode. Here, from a vanadium-based cathode perspective, a micellar electrolyte is developed using the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), in which water is locally confined and Br− restructures Zn2+ solvation, collectively inhibiting the water-induced cascade failures. Concomitantly, electrostatic interactions enable CTA⁺ intercalation into V─O layers (forming expanded-spacing cathode (CTA, Ca)VO) and cathode-surface electric double layer generation, which enhances pseudocapacitance to offset water confinement-induced kinetic losses. Additionally, cycling-induced CTA+ degradation participates in the formation of solid-state electrolyte interphases (CEI/SEI) to provide further effective cathode/anode interfacial protection. The micellar electrolyte balances water confinement and charge transfer to achieve breakthrough full-cell performance: 93.57%/98.78%/82.17% retention after 150/300/17 700 cycles at 0.1/0.2/4.0 A g−1 (25 °C) and 99.77% retention after 420 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 (−20 °C). This micellar electrolyte strategy can be extended to other vanadium-based cathodes (e.g., NaVO, BaVO), quasi-solid-state cells, and anode-free cells, providing a viable paradigm for electrolyte design.

A general reverse-engineering approach is demonstrated for designing functional yarns that uses woven fabric architecture as a structural framework. The fabric-based stretchable conductive yarns combine flexibility, high elasticity, low stiffness, self-protection, and weavability with conventional textile processes. By fine-tuning the number of elastic fibers and electrode fibers, this fabric-based approach enables customized tuning of strain sensitivity in stretchable conductive yarns.

Skin is soft yet strong – a combination achieved by integrating compliant elastin with stiff but wavy collagen, producing non-linear mechanical properties. Inspired by this structure, stiff conductive wires are engineered into sinusoidal patterns and mechanically interlocked them with highly elastic fibers using a reimagined woven fabric approach. The result is a highly conducting and stretchable yarn that also has high tensile strength – a combination that is attractive for wearable applications where comfort and durability are valued. With a diameter of ≈1 mm—comparable to many commercial yarns—the fabric-based yarn exhibits low stiffness across a broad strain range (up to 270% under 2 N of force) while demonstrating a self-protective transition to high stiffness and strength (up to 30 MPa) as it nears failure. Additionally, this yarn offers excellent flexibility, high strain tolerance (exceeding 500%), inherent breathability, and superior weavability. By tuning the number of elastic fibers and electrode fibers, it can further tailor these stretchable conductive yarns into strain-insensitive connecting yarns (low impedance at MHz frequencies, GF = 0.0003) and mechanical sensing yarns with dual strain and proximity sensing capabilities. The integration of these functional yarns enables system-level smart textile applications, such as wristband controllers.

By tracking bulk carrier diffusion both vertically and laterally, this study links photoluminescence behavior to crystal quality in CsPbBr3 γ-ray detectors. Vertical diffusion governs spectral redshift, with high-quality crystals exhibiting superior transport, while two-photon microscopy reveals microscale defects that hinder diffusion in low-quality crystals. These insights provide a quantitative framework for screening and optimizing crystals for radiation detection.

Halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for next-generation radiation detectors, echoing their transformative impact on photovoltaics. Due to the long penetration depths of X-rays and γ-rays, thick single crystals are required to sufficiently attenuate the radiation, making bulk crystal quality critical for device performance. Photoluminescence properties, particularly long lifetimes and redshifted emission peaks, are commonly used as proxies for identifying high-quality CsPbBr3 crystals for high-performance detectors, yet the physical origin of this correlation remains unclear. Here, complementary photoluminescence techniques with a full-spectrum fit are combined to reveal the importance of vertical diffusion in governing photoluminescence response, ultimately shaping detector performance. High-quality crystals exhibit larger vertical diffusion coefficients (up to 0.65 cm2 s−1) and lower recombination rates (down to 1.1 × 106 s−1), leading to diffusion lengths up to 5 times greater than those in low-quality crystals. Using one- and two-photon photoluminescence microscopy, microscale defects are further visualized, with suppressed redshift and distributions throughout the bulk, in low-quality crystals. Two-photon diffusion mapping directly reveals how these defects hinder carrier transport. These findings establish a direct link between photoluminescence and carrier diffusion, providing a quantitative framework that connects crystal quality to charge transport and device performance in perovskite radiation detectors.

This review comprehensively summarizes viologen derivatives in AORFBs, detailing their unique advantages, key challenges, and recent molecular and systems-level mitigation strategies. It further discusses advances in in situ and ex situ characterization that deepen understanding of redox mechanisms and degradation pathways, outlines practical considerations and future directions for developing durable, high-performance systems suitable for large-scale energy storage.

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) are attracting increasing attention as intrinsically safe and scalable solutions for grid-level energy storage. Among various organic anolytes, viologens stand out for their tunable structures, two-electron redox behavior, and cost-effective synthesis from abundant precursors. This review comprehensively summarizes recent progress in viologen-based AORFBs, highlighting their core advantages and central role in defining system performance. The major challenges that currently limit practical application are critically analyzed, including molecular permeation, radical cation aggregation, two-electron transfer limitations, and alkalization-induced degradation. Strategies designed to address these limitations are then discussed, such as bipolar molecule design, conjugation extension, steric and size engineering, complexation, and substituent modification, emphasizing how tailored structural features can synergistically improve anolyte stability, solubility, and electrochemical performance. Furthermore, complementary in situ and ex situ characterization techniques have deepened understanding of redox mechanisms, degradation pathways, and aggregation states under operational conditions. Looking ahead, advancing viologen-based AORFBs will rely on designing stable, high-concentration electrolytes, achieving efficient two-electron cycling, and integrating artificial intelligence-guided molecular design to accelerate discovery. Together, these efforts aim to enable durable, high-energy-density systems and bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial application.

Through a design of defect-manipulated α-MnO2 featuring dandelion-like hollow nanoarchitectures, the remarkably broadband microwave absorption (8.9 GHz at 2.7 mm, RL←10 dB) and thermal conductivity (0.31 W m−1 K−1) are simultaneously achieved for the as-filled single coating layer. Therefore, this study presents a groundbreaking solution to address the inherent microwave absorption incompatibility of conventional thermal insulation coatings, offering a bright new design strategy in exploring next-generation multispectral stealth materials.

Radar-infrared compatible materials have emerged as a pivotal research focus on developing next-generation multispectral stealth technologies. However, achieving high-performance compatible stealth in a single integrated coating remains a significant challenge. This study proposes the design of a unique ion-modulated α-MnO2 with a dandelion-like hollow structure, which functions as a promising filler to achieve superior radar-infrared compatible stealth property in a single-layer coating using epoxy resin as the binder. The intriguing phenomenon is primarily attributed to the synergistic effects of multitiered hollowness and defects induced by low-valence cation doping, which enhance polarization loss behaviors and further reduce thermal conductivity. As a result, the remarkably broadband microwave absorption (RL←10 dB) of 8.9 GHz is achieved, covering most of X/Ku bands. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) of the coating is prominently reduced from 0.59 to 0.31 W m−1 K−1, with actual thermal radiation signals being visually suppressed. Therefore, this work presents a significant solution to address the inherent microwave absorption incompatibility of conventional thermal insulation coatings, offering a new strategy in exploring advanced multispectral stealth materials.

MXene and MBene nanomaterials show significant potential in addressing critical challenges in biomedicine, applied biology, agriculture, and the environment. From a nano-agricultural perspective, this relatively young field has witnessed emerging advances towards applications for plant-immunoengineering, biostimulation, and controlled delivery/sustained release of agrochemicals. These strategies encompass the design, fabrication, surface modification, and post-functionalization of MXene/MBene-based biomaterials, enabling the enhancement of plant defense mechanisms against biotic/abiotic stresses, as well as the promotion of growth for high-yield production to reduce the reliance on agrochemical inputs and alleviate their risks to human health and the environment. This innovative review presents comprehensive discussions on the proposed mechanisms, modes of action, biocompatibility, and future outlooks.

Producing quality food crops with a focus on climate and environmental improvement policies has become central to modern farming and sustainability strategies. However, the rising world population and food demand have region-dependently pushed these boundaries to the overuse of agrochemical inputs. These include plant antimicrobials, pesticides, and soil fertilizers, applied to boost crop yields, reaching a critical juncture. The reliance on agrochemicals has been proven effective in priming, plant growth, and enhancing defense/resistance to biotic stressors, such as phytopathogens and invasive organisms, as well as abiotic pressures, including heat, drought, salinity, and light stress, by increasing nutrient absorption and innate immunity or adaptive stress resistance. However, increasing concerns about the safety, cost, and environmental impact of agrochemicals have intensified the necessity for applying sustainable precision technologies. Nano-agriculture has introduced emerging possibilities for utilizing low-dimensional biomaterials for plant protection/stimulation applications, once these technologies are proven safe. Among them, carbon-based MXenes and derivatives (MBenes) show potential due to their high surface-to-volume area, biocompatibility at controlled doses, and tunable physicochemical/biological properties. These unique specifications support targeted delivery and sustained release, while also enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance. This comprehensive review covers their effect on seed germination, seedling maturation, plant-immunoengineering, priming, eliciting, stomatal closure, antimicrobial actions, and gene or phytohormone regulation. It also discusses their role as sustainable carriers for the delivery and release of agrochemicals and plant protection by nano-design, aiming to reduce agrochemical consumption. Lastly, we discuss the current environmental regulations for nanomaterials and recommend rational outlooks for future work.

Pt cluster and Ni single-atom composite systems are constructed on nitrogen-doped carbon support for boosting hydrazine oxidation-assisted hydrogen evolution. The as-prepared electrocatalyst exhibits superior bifunctional catalytic activity, which requires an ultralow cell voltage of a mere 79 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in an overall hydrazine oxidation-assisted splitting electrolyzer.

Hydrazine oxidation-assisted hydrogen evolution represents a promising avenue for energy-saving hydrogen production. However, the development of bifunctional catalysts with high atom economy and durability for both hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) remains challenging. Here, a design is reported that combines sulfur-stabilized Pt clusters and Ni-N4 sites on nitrogen-doped carbon support (Ptn-S/Ni1-NC) for boosting alkaline hydrazine oxidation-assisted hydrogen evolution. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the pre-coordinated sulfur atoms on Pt clusters provide strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) for the homogeneous distribution of Pt clusters, allowing Pt clusters to remain ultrafine, which ensures high atom utilization and sufficient active sites. Moreover, the electronic interactions and synergistic adsorption mechanism of Pt clusters and adjacent Ni-N4 sites markedly accelerate the H2O dissociation and HzOR kinetics. As a result, the Ptn-S/Ni1-NC catalysts exhibit exceptional catalytic activity, achieving an ultrasmall HER overpotential of 19 mV and an ultralow HzOR working potential of −21 mV at 10 mA cm−2 current density. In addition, the overall hydrazine oxidation-assisted splitting (OHzS) electrolyzer can reach 10 mA cm−2 with a low cell voltage of 79 mV and good long-term stability in 1.0 m KOH/0.5 m N2H4.

A novel triple-phase Ag/Ag2Na/Na3PO4 protection layer is fabricated via an in situ reaction between Ag3PO4 and sodium metal. This robust interphase suppresses dendrite growth by combining strong sodiphilicity, high conductivity, and reduced ion diffusion barriers. It enables uniform sodium deposition/stripping, enhancing cycling stability and performance of sodium metal anodes.

The advancement of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) critically depends on the development of stable sodium metal anodes (SMAs). However, practical implementation remains hindered by uncontrollable dendritic growth and uneven Na stripping/plating behavior associated with pristine sodium metal. In this study, the design of a robust triphasic heterojunction artificial interphase is reported, formed via a spontaneous in situ reaction between Ag3PO4 and metallic sodium. The resulting Ag2Na/Ag/Na3PO4 interphase synergistically combines metallic, alloy, and ionic phases to simultaneously regulate ion transport and suppress dendrite formation. Specifically, the Ag2Na alloy and metallic Ag components ensure strong interfacial adhesion and enhanced electronic conductivity, while the Na3PO4 phase promotes homogeneous Na⁺ ion flux and accelerates surface diffusion via its desolvation capability. Benefiting from this engineered interface, the Na/Ag3PO4 anode exhibits a remarkably low nucleation overpotential of 27 mV and delivers stable cycling performance exceeding 1600 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 (1 mAh cm−2) in symmetric cells. Moreover, a full sodium metal pouch cell incorporating the Na/Ag3PO4 anode achieves a high energy density of 425.5 Wh kg−1, underscoring the practical viability of this interfacial design for next-generation high-energy SIBs.

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) naturally facilitate lipid transport between membranes. The lipid-capturing shuttle (LipShuttle) mimics this activity by targeted lipid extraction and transcytosis-mediated lipid export, resulting in reversing lipid overload and reprogramming lipid catabolism of foam cells. Consequently, LipShuttle-based lipid transfer therapy promotes atherosclerosis regression by reducing lipid accumulation, exerting anti-inflammatory effects, and inducing a pro-efferocytic phenotype.

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) orchestrate inter-membrane lipid transport through hydrophobic cavities, but their therapeutic application is limited by the requirement to simultaneously maintain dual-membrane targeting and lipid-carrying structures. Inspired by LTPs, a therapeutic platform coupling β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with gold nanoparticles as a lipid-capturing shuttle (LipShuttle) is proposed. The β-CD specifically targets lipid droplets to sequester stored lipids, while the gold nanoparticles drive transcytotic lipid efflux. This dual mechanism enhances lipid removal, boosts neutral lipid catabolism, and reverses lipid overload in foam cells. Then LipShuttle's therapeutic efficacy is validated in high-fat diet-fed ApoE−/− mice with established atherosclerotic plaques. By combining ultrasound-enhanced lipid efflux with cell targeting, LipShuttle promotes plaque regression and reduces vulnerability. Mechanistically, LipShuttle-mediated lipid depletion suppresses arachidonic acid metabolism, attenuating inflammation, and reprograms plaque macrophages toward a pro-efferocytic phenotype. This dual action promotes plaque regression, demonstrating a promising lipid transfer-based therapeutic strategy for diseases driven by dysregulated lipid accumulation.

electrode–electrolyte interphase; electrolytes; in situ characterization; room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries; sulfur conversionRoom-temperature Na–S batteries (RT-NSBs) hold great promise for large-scale energy storage owing to their low cost and high energy density. This review summarizes recent progress in electrolyte design, interphase chemistry, and sulfur conversion mechanisms, highlights advanced characterization techniques for probing electrolyte and interfacial behavior, and outlines future opportunities for developing high-performance RT-NSBs.

The urgent need for sustainable and high-performance energy storage beyond lithium-ion batteries has propelled the development of room-temperature sodium–sulfur batteries (RT-NSBs), which leverage earth-abundant elements to offer a high theoretical energy density. However, the practical realization of RT-NSBs is severely constrained by formidable challenges originating at the electrolyte, primarily the detrimental polysulfide shuttle effect, the uncontrolled growth of sodium dendrites, and sluggish reaction kinetics. Addressing these intertwined issues through rational electrolyte design is paramount for unlocking the potential of this technology. This review offers a comprehensive comparison of liquid, gel polymer, and solid-state electrolytes for RT-NSBs, establishing a mechanistic framework that connects solvation chemistry, interfacial reactions, and electrochemical behavior to actionable electrolyte design principles. The fundamental operating principles and key challenges are first outlined. Subsequently, a systematic overview of state-of-the-art strategies across different electrolyte platforms is presented, emphasizing the underlying mechanisms and notable achievements. Furthermore, the pivotal role of advanced characterization techniques in elucidating complex solvation structures, electrode-electrolyte interphases, and sulfur redox pathways is discussed to accelerate the rational design of electrolytes. Finally, this review points out the remaining challenges and potential directions to accelerate the transition of RT-NSBs into practical, next-generation energy storage solutions.

Based on the high interfacial compatibility between BTB and NTB cocrystals, OSHs are successfully constructed using a two-step gas-phase method. Through cocrystal engineering, BTB (001) surface was constructed as a template, and vertical epitaxial growth of NTB molecules was induced by motif-based assembly to form 2D OSHs. This work provides new ideas for the design and construction of epitaxial heterostructures.

2D organic stacked heterostructures (2D OSHs) have become an ideal material for developing on-chip integrated optoelectronic devices due to their unique interlayer coupling effects and interface engineering potentials. However, achieving a controlled synthesis of 2D OSHs remains challenging due to the inherent difficulty of regulating organic molecular orientations and overcoming thermodynamic barriers. Herein, a cocrystal engineering-based template method is reported, where cocrystals are engineered into 2D templates to induce vertical epitaxial growth of other cocrystals, enabling the large-scale synthesis of 2D OSHs. The thickness ratio of two layers can be precisely regulated and exhibits a continuously tunable emission from yellow to blue, where the OSHs with the ratio of 0.25 exhibit near-white emission (CIE: 0.33, 0.35). In addition, the OSHs exhibit excellent dual-band optical waveguide performance. This work provides a new synthesis method for OSH's functional integrated materials in the fields of optical displays and waveguides, promoting their application in the next generation of integrated optoelectronic devices.

Perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals exhibit bright emission, fast response, and solution processability, but their nanoscale size limits efficient radiation detection. Organizing them into porous SiO2 mesospheres enhances radioluminescence up to 40 times, achieving an optimal combination of light yield, fast scintillation, and processability, providing a pathway to high-performance, versatile nanoscintillators for imaging, space, and high-energy physics.

Perovskite-based nanoscintillators, such as CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs), are emerging as promising candidates for ionizing radiation detection, thanks to their high emission efficiency, rapid response, and facile synthesis. However, their nanoscale dimensions — smaller than the mean free path of secondary carriers — and relatively low emitter density per unit volume, limited by their high molecular weight and reabsorption losses, restrict efficient secondary carrier conversion and hamper their practical deployment. In this work, a strategy is introduced to enhance scintillation performance by organizing NCs into densely packed domains within porous SiO2 mesospheres (MSNs). This engineered architecture achieves up to a 40-fold increase in radioluminescence intensity compared to colloidal NCs, driven by improved retention and conversion of secondary charges, as corroborated by electron release measurements. This approach offers a promising pathway toward developing next-generation nanoscintillators with enhanced performance, with potential applications in high-energy physics, medical imaging, and space technologies.